Planning board finds municipal storage pod proposal consistent with master plan, urges more screening

The Morris Planning Board on Oct. 20 reviewed a capital-project referral from the township (DB1225) proposing placement of a storage pod adjacent to the municipal building’s generator pad to temporarily hold physical records while the construction department digitizes files and pursues revised building storage. Township engineering staff said the unit would be semi-permanent (estimated one to two years), would be sited next to existing infrastructure for convenient staff access, and that the township intends to supplement existing screening with new shrubs so the unit is not visible from nearby homes.

Why this matters: The board’s review under the Municipal Land Use Law is advisory to the governing body but is intended to assess consistency with the master plan. Neighbors raised viewshed and moisture/storage concerns; the board’s planner recommended screening consistent with master-plan language on attractive streetscapes.

What the board heard

Township engineering testimony explained the immediate need for offsite short-term storage as the municipality digitizes building and construction records and undertakes longer-term renovations to expand interior storage. The proposed location is adjacent to the building’s rear egress near the construction office and the existing generator/AC compound; the engineer said this spot offers the least visual impact and convenient access for staff.

Resident comments and concerns

Neighbor Chris Pizzo, whose property abuts the municipal complex, said the notice labeled the pod as “temporary” but did not define that term. Pizzo asked for firm assurances about how long the pod would remain on site and urged immediate screening to avoid a winter of residents seeing the container. The engineer said the township expects to keep the unit roughly one to two years and will plant shrubs immediately prior to delivery if possible; the board encouraged the township to expedite screening and to use plantings that provide near-term visual cover.

Master-plan review and board action

The board planner said the master plan does not directly address short-term storage pods but includes general goals about maintaining an attractive streetscape and buffering municipal uses from residences. The planner concluded the proposed placement is not inconsistent with the master plan and that landscaping to screen the unit would increase consistency. The planning board voted to find the project not inconsistent with the master plan and recommended that the township require screening (evergreen shrubs/plantings) to shield neighbors’ views. The motion passed on roll call.

Next steps

The board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the governing body as the required advisory review under the Municipal Land Use Law (referral under the capital-project provisions). The township engineer indicated the vendor is prepared to deliver the pod soon after approvals; the township will pursue plantings to provide prompt screening.